The Cloud Cap Trailhead is located 2 hours from Portland, on Mt. Hood near the historic Cloud Cap Inn--a rustic lodge built in the 1890s. Expect rough road the last 9 miles (30 minutes) to the trailhead. The 7.1 mile (2,680' gain) summit hike quickly climbs to several soaring viewpoints above the spectacular Eliot Glacier en route to the rocky crest of Cooper Spur, the highest point on Mt. Hood that can be reached by trail. Crowded on summer weekends.
Begin the uphill trek on the Timberline Trail, following the sign to Gnarl Ridge. Pass through an old growth forest of mountain hemlock. In 2008, the Gnarl Fire swept through the Cloud Cap area, burning much of the surrounding forest. The route travels across soft volcanic ash for the first mile.
The trail then switchbacks up Tilly Jane Canyon amid boulders and scattered alpine wildflowers. Expect lingering snow early in the season and watch for wooden post cairns to guide the way. Turn right at the Tilly Jane Trail junction, following the sign to Cooper Spur. The spur is the hulking, rocky ridge straight ahead.
At 1.2 miles, stop to admire a 70-year-old rustic stone shelter that has survived the avalanches that have destroyed most other shelters along the Timberline Trail (the 40-mile loop around Mt. Hood).
Continue the climb toward the looming crest of Cooper Spur, high into the stark tundra zone of the mountain. Follow a series of broad switchbacks on the increasingly steep shoulder of the spur, with stunning views of the north face of Mt. Hood and the rugged icefalls of the Eliot Glacier. Sunscreen recommended for the high-exposure hike; few mosquitos at such a high elevation.
Nearing the crest, a final set of switchbacks leads to views south of the Newton Clark Glacier before reaching several stone windbreaks at the top of the spur (8,510'). From here, the view extends from Mt. Jefferson to Mt. Rainier, and includes a good portion of the Columbia Plateau to the east.
Follow the ridge as far as Tie-in Rock, a massive boulder where climbers rope up for the big ascent.
Return the same way to the trailhead, or connect to the Tilly Jane Trail for a slightly longer loop hike. 10am-1:30pm RT.
